New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-07-31
DOUBLE CRIME IN A HOTEL
A PORTER KILLED BY A FORMER EMPLoYE.
WHO SHOOTS HIMSELF TO DEATH.


NO APPARENT MOTIVE FOR THE DEKp-A WOMAN
SEES PARr OF THE TRAGEDY AND THEN FAINrs
THE MURDERER DOUBTLESS INSANE.
ghastly double crime was commit ted last even
ing in the Bancroft House. No. 922 broadway at
Twenty -frst-st Charles Greer. a young Irishman
of good family, who was employed temporarily as
porter In the hotel. was butchered in \
most brutal manner by John +.
Emmerson, who formerly was employed there.
After killing ureer, Enmerson killed himself
There was absolutely no provocation for the mur-
der aud suicide, and the only explanation of the
tragedy was the supposed insanity of Emmerson.
The killing was unexpected as it was unaccount-
able.
Emmerson was strongly built, dark-featursd
man of middle age of surly dis
position. aud unsocial in his relations
with other employees at tho hotel He was said to
be unmarried and without relatives in this city. In
fact, his history seemed almost blank last night.
He had been employed in the hotel for ive months
as night porter. but about month ago he gave up
the place to take o similar position IN the Astor
House. He kept his room on the third floor of
the Bancroft House, paying SO week for ii.
About three weeks ago Mr. Neal. the manager of
the hotel, advertised for day porter and young
Greer got the situation. Greer was nineteen years
Greer, retired officer Of the British Army.
Tyr Tyrone. Ireland 'aS charlss 'f elder bScsneT Sss
the Rev Mr. Fergps Greer. Is q Protestant clergy
man IN England. Five months ago Charles came
to this country to visit friends IN NewYork aud in
Florida He went to Florida soon after his arrival
and spent about three mouths there. ln this city
he enjoyed himself with his friends until his money
ran short. While he was waiting for more money
to be sent to bin from Ireland he chose to find en-
poyment and support himself instead OF borro wing
from HI. friends "A room was yen sI to- to him near
formed under the direction OF Mrs. Mary
Rutter. the head chambermaId. o good
liking to him and praised him for his
willingness Emmerson took q dislike to- Greer
aud took occasion to annoy him on several occa-
On Sunday Manager Neal told Emmerson that he
must, give up. his room in the hotel. Mr.. Neal
heard s & that snn0yns said Green Il
make ss before Se hs Sat
took his meals with his friend, Edward Mcsbayne.
at No. 613 Second-ave After getting through his
work in the hotel at p; M yesterday he went into
row row hall from from Emmerson's room, to tie
his cravat and comb his hair before
going to bis boarding house for diraer He had no
spas %srsoa entered IL tho ny living s'f room made
an, insulting remark abont woman help"
Mrs Rutter left the room. She had gone along the
hall only a few yards when she heard the sound OF
"
John. John What are you doing"
She returned to the door of the room to find the
murder in progress. Greer was kneeIing IN cor
ner of the roomand Emmerson stood over him with
O long dagger ia his hand. The frightened woman
saw the dagger descend into Greers breast. Then
she ran downstairs screaming and fell faintng On
the ioor of the Office. Mr. Neal started to run up
stairs but before he reached the second
floor he heard o pistol shot. Arriving on
the third floor he saw the body OF
Greer lying IN the hallway Blood was flowing
from cash in Greer's left breast. The door or
EmmersOn's room was open and on the noor lay the
body of the murderer beside a revolver or large
caibre Emmerson nd killed himself By firing
shot through his head
Coroner Eidman went to the hotel with DR..
Scholer last night ana viewed the bodies. There
were three dagger wounds in Greers body. One
was deep wound four inches wide. over the
heart. Another, a little one, was near tie lets
| shoulder. The third was in the back ard the
| dagger blade had cut into the right
| lung. Coroner Eidman gave permission TO Mr.
| McShayne to remove Greer's body and baggage
| from the hotel Green had two leather trunks
| well filled with clothing. There were letters
| from relatives and friends In one OF the
| trunks and in a wooden box WAS an old
fashioned horse-pistol. Emmerson had about
S45 in his pockets Coroner Eidman sent his body
to an undertakers shop IN Fourth-st., Captain
| Williams said that the murderer must nave Deen
crazy 1t was o crime with only one redeemlng
| feature. from police pOin. of view The murderer
had saved expense to the city by killing himself